Ezra 8:4
Of the sons of Pahath-moab; Elihoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with him two hundred males.
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
Of the sons
H1121
בֶּן
Of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֶלְיְהֽוֹעֵינַ֖י
Elihoenai
H454
אֶלְיְהֽוֹעֵינַ֖י
Elihoenai
Strong's:
H454
Word #:
4 of 9
eljehoenai or eljoenai, the name of seven israelites
בֶּן
Of the sons
H1121
בֶּן
Of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְעִמּ֖וֹ
H5973
וְעִמּ֖וֹ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
7 of 9
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Historical Context
Pahath-moab's prominence in both returns (Ezra 2 and 8) suggests they were wealthy or influential. Ancient Near Eastern genealogies often highlighted socially significant families. The preservation of names like Elihoenai and Zerahiah demonstrates that Hebrew naming practices, which embedded theology in personal identity, survived exile despite Babylonian cultural pressure. This maintained covenant consciousness across generations.
Questions for Reflection
- What theological truths do your children's or family members' names proclaim about God's character and faithfulness?
- How does the variance in family response (28 to 300 males) challenge assumptions about uniform devotion within covenant communities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Of the sons of Pahath-moab; Elihoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with him two hundred males. Pahath-moab, meaning 'governor of Moab,' was a prominent family (2,812 returned with Zerubbabel per Ezra 2:6). Elihoenai means 'to Yahweh are my eyes,' expressing dependence on God's guidance. Zerahiah means 'Yahweh has risen/shone,' commemorating divine deliverance. These theophoric names (containing God's name) demonstrate that even in Babylonian exile, families maintained Yahweh-centered identity by naming children with covenant confessions.
The two hundred males from Pahath-moab represented substantial group, larger than average in this census. This suggests either the family's size, prosperity (enabling more to make the journey), or particular devotion to restoration. The variance in numbers across families (from 28 to 300 males) shows that response to God's call wasn't uniform—some families sent large contingents while others contributed minimally.
Theologically, these names function as mini-testimonies. Every roll call proclaimed Yahweh's faithfulness: 'My eyes are to Yahweh,' 'Yahweh has risen.' The census thus became inadvertent worship, each name a remembered mercy.